Ranger faces murder charge

By Kamangeni Phiri

A game ranger based in Gokwe last week allegedly shot and killed a teenage boy while pursuing the now deceased`s brother for suspected poaching.

Police confirmed the incident and identified the deceased as Daniel Dube of Tsangadzaume Village, Chief Sayi’s area in Gokwe South.
The ranger, Cainos Ndigunei (22) of Chirisa Game Park in Gokwe South, was arraigned before Gokwe magistrate Mr Noel Mpelwa facing charges of murder.
He was remanded to 23 January and advised to apply to the High Court for bail.
The State case as presented by Mr Stephen Ngwenya is that on 5 January, Ndigunei was part of a team of rangers tracking some poachers who had been poaching in Chirisa Game Park.
Mr Ngwenya said the poachers allegedly shot and killed a buffalo on the day.
They went to a homestead where Often Dube, whom they had learnt was part of the gang that had killed the buffalo, resides.
At Dube’s homestead the rangers found Often’s brother, Nikison who was repairing a scotchcart and inquired on the whereabouts of Often.
Mr Ngwenya said Nikison directed the rangers to the kitchen.
While in the kitchen, Mr Ngwenya said, Nikison then ran away.
The rangers fired some warning shots but Nikison continued running away.
The court heard that the rangers found Often Dube and arrested him.
Often’s brother, Daniel (19), who completed his Advanced Level studies last year, was in another room and witnessed the assault.
Daniel panicked and ran away.
Mr Ngwenya said the accused Ndigunei gave chase and fired two shots in the air but Daniel continued running.
The accused then shot Daniel on the back and he fell down.
The rangers apprehended him.
They took him to Gokwe Hospital but Daniel died on the way.
The deceased’s brother later indicated to the police that the person whom the rangers were looking for was their brother, Nikison, who had directed them to the kitchen.
He said Nikison was well known for poaching.
The police freed Often as he had no case to answer.
Mr Ngwenya said Ndigunei did not have evidence to link the deceased to the matter.